Father of British IS hostage John Cantlie dies days after emotional plea

Father of British IS hostage John Cantlie dies days after emotional plea

THE father of Islamic State hostage John Cantlie has died days after making an emotional plea for his son to be released.

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Wed, Oct 22, 2014

Paul Cantlie suffered 'complications following pneumonia' [PA]

Paul Cantlie, 80, suffered “complications following pneumonia” last Thursday, said a family statement early today.

The pensioner, from Southampton, Hants, sent a video plea from his hospital bed for journalist John, 43, from Haslemere, Surrey, to be freed.

Paul died not knowing whether John’s captors had received the message

Mr Cantlie’s family said: “Paul died not knowing whether John’s captors had received the message.”

Meanwhile, a crackdown on Islamic terrorists and extremists siphoning cash via charities will be launched by David Cameron today.

The Prime Minister will unveil new powers for the charities watchdog to close organisations suspected of having extremist links.

Criminals convicted of terrorism-related offences or money laundering could be banned for life from being charity trustees. The Charity Commission is to get an extra £8million over three years from the Government to step up investigations.